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Rockies take Arizona righty Wade in Round 7

Rockies take Arizona righty Wade in Round 7

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By Ian McCue
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MLB.com |

With their seventh-round pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, the Rockies selected right-handed pitcher Konner Wade.

Even though he had a down season in 2013, Wade still has the potential to be a standout big league starter, thanks to his arsenal of pitches and solid frame. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound junior was named a 2013 Louisville Slugger preseason second-team All-American.

Wade drew national attention when he pitched two complete games as a sophomore in the 2012 College World Series, which Arizona won. His performance earned him a spot on the College World Series All-Tournament team.

Wade has more than proved he can go the distance, but the 104.2 innings he pitched as a junior, after tossing 136.1 in 2012, likely took a serious toll on his arm and might explain the drop-off.

"He's been in the spotlight. He's a kid that might need a little rest," said Marc Gustafson, the Rockies' senior director of scouting operations. "He's got a lot of innings pitched throughout his career, and that's because he was so good during his collegiate career.

As the No. 2 starter in 2012, he had an 11-3 record and carried a 3.96 ERA, numbers that fell to 5-6 and 4.30 this year.

"With all of these guys, we take a very close look at workload, pitches thrown, things of that nature," Gustafson said. "So you have to remember this kid has done it. He's been there and done it." Wade was selected in the 35th round of the 2010 Draft by the D-backs, but elected to play college ball at Arizona.

The right-hander's fastball sits in the high 80s, but has heavy sink to it, inducing ground balls. His changeup is his best secondary pitch, as it is very deceptive and has late sink. His slider is inconsistent at this point, but could be more reliable in the future.

If Wade can channel his 2012 College World Series form, he could be one of the biggest steals of the Draft.

Ian McCue is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.